5 days ago
Future of Southern California's gas water heaters, furnaces to be decided Friday
Appliances that are among the leading causes of smog could be phased out in Southern California after regulators vote on Friday.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District Governing Board will consider two rules that would require gas water heaters and gas furnaces to be phased out, with manufacturers either selling at least 30% zero-emission heating appliances by 2027 or paying a fee on the sale of gas appliances.
That percentage of zero-emission appliances would increase in future years.
'The targets ramp up over time, beginning with a 30% sales target the first year, increasing to 50% in 2029 and ultimately ending at 90% in 2036,' the Los Angeles Times reports. 'The rules would affect an estimated 10 million units across the region, the majority of which would be in residential properties.'
While homeowners may view their individual gas-powered water heater or furnace as little more than a drop in the bucket of smog sources in the area, the cumulative effect could be huge.
'These appliances emit more smog-causing gases than the region's largest industrial polluters,' CalMatters notes.
In fact, gas-powered appliances rank only behind vehicles in smog production, the outlet adds.
There is, however, significant opposition to the proposed regulations.
'Opponents, including gas-appliance manufacturers, fossil fuel companies and some local government and commerce groups, say the measure will strain the electric grid and drive up costs for consumers,' the Times notes.
Those critics point to higher up-front costs for purchasing and installing zero-emission devices, but supporters of the regulations say the devices will pay for themselves via lower utility bill costs, as well as public health savings by reducing the impacts of smog on Southern Californians.
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